REDLANDS, Calif. - The Vanguard Lions (4-1) had their game against Redlands University (1-0) quickly slip away from them as they went down seven runs after the first three innings. This was the final exhibition game for the Division II school as they prepared for their season opener against Sul Ross State University. 

After the Lions recorded two outs in the first, the Bulldogs loaded the bases with three consecutive singles. A fielder's choice would score one and a double by Sammy Diaz would clear the bases, giving Redlands an early 4-0 lead. A two-run home run in the bottom of the second would push the UR lead to six. The Lions would get a run back in the third as a two-out single by Aki Buckson (JR/Silverdale, WA) would keep the inning alive and a double by Landon Riker (SR/Marysville, WA) would score Buckson. 

Isaiah Lee (SO/Santa Ana, CA) would hit a solo shot in the top of the fourth, but that is all the scoring the Lions would be able to manage on the day. Redlands loaded the bases once again in the sixth and a couple of singles and a fielders choice would score three to push the lead to eight. Justin Yang would pitch four innings of shutout baseball in relief to secure the 10-2 win.

"Redlands played a clean game and were the better team today in all aspects," said Head Coach Rob Pegg. "You really have to tip your hat to them. Hopefully, we learned some things and will grow from this experience."

The Bulldogs got after Garrett Molnar (SR/La Habra, CA) early as he was handed his first loss of the season. Matt Lester (SR/Salem, OR), Wyatt Boyce (SR/El Segundo, CA), and Nick Singer (JR/Atwater, CA) each pitched an inning in relief. The Lions had earned two runs on eight hits and had two errors on the day. Landon Riker walked twice and hit an RBI double in the third, while Isaiah Lee would hit his first home run of the season.

Next Game: Thursday, February 6th against Baker University at 2:00 p.m.

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